Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are The Most Common Tree Issues In Phoenix?
- 2 Does The City of Phoenix Provide Any Assistance In Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal In Phoenix?
- 4 How Does The Soil Affect Trees In Phoenix?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health In Phoenix?
- 6 What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines In Phoenix?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Phoenix?
What Are The Most Common Tree Issues In Phoenix?
While the Phoenix area is known for being a hot and dry desert area, it’s no stranger to beautiful greenery. That being said, coming across various issues with trees is nothing new to our team of experts here in Phoenix, Arizona. With the hot desert climate, there is a surplus of potential problems that may arise when it comes to landscaping or growing beautiful trees. If you feel that a tree may be a problem, removing it and determining what the best care for it is no issue. Common issues you may come across are as follows:
Foliage Diseases
Most commonly seen on Arizona aspen, Arizona sycamore, oak, cottonwood, and willow trees, foliage diseases come with heavy infections that cause partial or complete defoliation in both individual and whole groups of trees.
One frequently found disease in Phoenix is anthracnose, which reduces growth and causes scattered dieback of a tree’s twigs and branches. Other commonly noted foliage diseases in the area are black leaf spot and Melampsora rust.
Damage by Insects
Insects are everywhere, and while they can be beneficial to habitats, in some cases they can also be detrimental to Phoenix’s most common trees. Bud and shoot insects, such as bark and pitch moths, often feed on the buds and shoots of growing plants. With trees, they’re known for boring directly into the twigs, branches, and bark.
Sapsuckers such as aphidscan damage the tissue of growing trees and plants. This can cause discoloration, damaged or deformed leaves, and occasionally leave behind diseases that kill the host plant.
Root Rot
Often causing rapid wilting and ultimately leading to the death of many trees, root rot is a dangerous fungus for the landscape. In hot, dry, and alkaline conditions, trees and other plants suffering from the fungi will often appear overly dry and eventually die without proper care or tree removal.
Other common tree issues found in the Phoenix area include but are not limited to spider mites, flathead borers, witches broom, bark beetle, and carpenter ants.
Does The City of Phoenix Provide Any Assistance In Tree Removal Problems?
In accordance with local city codes and mandated regulations, the city of Phoenix Street Transportation Maintenance Division (PSTMD) is responsible for providing a safe environment by maintaining and providing upkeep for landscaped areas within the street right-of-way. This includes any right-of-way locations involving roadways, medians, pedestrian walkways, frontages, and overpasses located within the city.
In addition to contracting professional landscapers to provide maintenance, the program handles weed control and trash pick up.
For issues with trees within the street, you can reach out to the maintenance division at 602-534-9440. For broken tree limbs or downed trees on public roadways call 602-262-6441 or email Dispatch@phoenix.gov.
Trees on your personal property, such as your backyard, are not handled by the city. In cases like this, our team will come in and help you resolve any tree removal needs with ease.
Who Is Responsible For Fallen Tree Removal In Phoenix?
It can feel like a tricky situation when determining who is responsible for fallen trees or overhanging branches on a property. While it is entirely okay to trim branches that are on your property, in the city of Phoenix, the ownership of a tree belongs to the owner of the property it is located on. Therefore, should a neighboring tree fall on your property, it is your neighbor’s responsibility to handle maintenance for that tree and cover any damages caused by the fall, and vice versa if a tree on your property falls on neighboring land.
Additionally, it should be noted that according to the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, section 33-1324, the landlord is required to keep all common areas of the premises in a clean and safe condition. However, if a tree does not pose a threat and falls due to severe weather the landlord is not liable for any damages caused.
If you’re a homeowner?
For homeowners in the Phoenix area, responsibility for fallen trees falls in your court. This means that if any damages are caused during the fall, you may be liable to cover the expenses. In this case, it’s important that your homeowners insurance is up to date in case of unexpected situations.
If you’re a renter?
As a renter, unless stated otherwise in your lease, the responsibility and liability of fallen trees rest on the homeowner. That can be a fine line when it comes to agreements that dictate a tenant as responsible for standard landscape maintenance. If you’re uncertain about your agreement, we suggest speaking with an attorney for clarification as needed.
If you’re a landlord?
For landlords, removing fallen trees remains your full responsibility in the city of Phoenix. Should a fallen tree cause damages to your rental property or neighboring property, you can choose to file a claim with your insurance provider or personally compensate the neighbors for the damages. You are also responsible for providing repairs on your rental property.
If you’re a neighbor?
Have you walked outside to find that a tree from your neighbor has fallen over your fence or onto your land? Contact the homeowner next door and discuss getting the tree removed along with any type of compensation for potential damages. It is their responsibility to schedule the removal of the tree and to properly you for any damages caused. If your property is insured, you may also file a claim to receive a payout.
How Does The Soil Affect Trees In Phoenix?
Compacted soil is the most common type of soil throughout all of Arizona and is something we’re extremely familiar with within Phoenix. You may find that the soil is often made up of large deposits of clay with high concentrates of calcium carbonate. This can make it difficult to dig holes in some locations and limits accessibility for water and nutrients to easily pass through during development.
Without nutrients such as iron, it can be difficult for a tree to get the nourishment it needs in order to grow and thrive. In cases like this, where soil can be difficult to penetrate, it may be important to utilize organic or chemical-based amendments to help fertilize and aerate the surrounding soil. Poor maintenance of trees during developmental and fully-grown stages can lead to poor root systems, which may cause a tree to fall during storms or windy weather.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health In Phoenix?
Experiencing heat and drought is a common occurrence in the beautiful city of Phoenix. When you’re feeling sweaty and hot, your trees and shrubs are more than likely also feeling the burn of the heat. While we use trees as a form of canopy when combating hot days out here, those green umbrellas also require a lot of nurturing when facing off with the rays of the sun.
Like humans, trees can experience dehydration very easily. If left unattended and not properly cared for, trees can become at risk for wilting leaves, experience reduced sustainability, lose strength when nasty storms come along, and sometimes die.
What If Dead Trees Are Near Power Lines In Phoenix?
First and foremost, if you notice a power line is down, do not attempt to get close to it or go over it in any way. This can put your life and others in danger. Immediately call 911 to report the fallen power line and call the Phoenix Street Transportation Maintenance Division to report the fallen tree. Often trees can fall on top of power lines and knock them down or get stuck hanging. This can easily cause a life-threatening situation.
If you notice a tree in Phoenix is looking weary, feel free to report it to the PSTMD. The ultimate responsibility of maintaining trees close by power lines falls on the Salt River Project (SRP). Serving the residents of Arizona since 1903, the power company safely removes trees encroaching on power lines and re-plants new trees in safer areas. If you need to make a report at any time, call 602-236-8888.
Trees at risk near power lines can be extremely dangerous for both homeowners and those passing by. Remember to never try trimming branches near lines yourself and always allow the professionals to handle tree removal that could put you at risk. We don’t want anyone getting hurt, but we do want to take care of challenging trees.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Phoenix?
The cost for removing a tree in Phoenix can range anywhere from $150 to $900. If you’re getting multiple trees removed, you may be able to get a deal for the service. When we prepare a quote for tree removal services, several factors come into play on what the actual charge will be. From tools to proper disposal, vehicles used to haul and remove debris, and more – our prices as arborists are calculated for each specific job.
Size
Trees come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they live various life spans. So, when hiring us, size really does matter.
Depending on how big the tree is, including how wide it is, your quote for removal will change. If the tree is small and won’t take a lot of time to cut down and remove, then you can feel comfortable knowing you’ll pay less. If it’s a 30+-year-old tree that’s had time to settle its roots and branch into multiple trunks, you’ll more than likely be looking at a larger charge.
Additional Services
Sometimes having a tree removed is more than chopping it down. You may need the limbs chipped and hauled, the stump removed, log splitting if you’d like to burn the wood during the winter, and more. Our experts typically include cutting down the tree only in their estimates. If you want it disposed of or the area cleared of debris, you’ll more than likely need to be prepared to pay a little extra.
Location
If a tree is located near a home or building, it may take more time and planning to properly remove it. It’s invaluable that our team understands how accessible it is, uses the proper equipment to prevent pieces from falling and causing damage to any structure nearby, and ensures everyone not involved in the process is out of the way while the removal takes place.
